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Interpretive Naturalist 2

Posted: September 28, 2022 by cece

Category: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

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Interpretive Naturalist 2
Job Type
  • Full Time
Organization MN Department of Natural Resources - Parks and Trails Division
Job Description
William O'Brien State Park near Marine on St. Croix, MN is currently seeking a full-time, year-round Interpretive Naturalist (IN2).
This Interpretive Naturalist position exists to develop, publicize and implement a welcoming and inclusive state parks and trails interpretive, environmental education and information services to: enhance the public's awareness, appreciation and understanding of cultural, natural and recreational resources; foster resource stewardship; and to inform the public about the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) programs and current environmental issues.
The area served by this position includes William O'Brien State park for approximately 285,000 annual visitors and outreach audiences.  Interpretive services participants include park visitors, local communities, underserved populations, organized groups, public and private schools, other units within the Minnesota DNR, park support groups, special interest groups, volunteers, media outlets, and other governmental organizations.
Work hours are generally 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, typically including weekends (with two consecutive days off during the week) and holidays. Includes occasionally working into the late evenings.
Responsibilities include:
  • Develop, present and evaluate programs that include multiple perspectives and use a variety of interpretive methods and techniques. Presentations are primarily provided in-person.
  • Recruit, train, lead and schedule interpretive program interns and volunteers.
  • Reach out to underserved audiences and provide inclusive interpretive experiences.
  • Promote programs and events online, through publications, and with media and community organizations.
  • Research natural and cultural history information from a variety of sources to develop interpretive activities, write content for exhibits, and answer visitor questions.
  • Perform administrative functions such as tracking program attendance, writing reports, managing budgets, and participating in staff meetings.
  • Serve as technical resource for local community, park visitors and staff by providing information about area and park resources.
  • Discuss and exchange information on park operations, interpretive services and resource management issues with park staff team.
  • Participate in the development of park unit interpretive plans and park management plans.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • A Bachelor's degree in environmental education and interpretation OR one of the physical sciences such as ecology, zoology, botany, geology OR a cultural resource-focused degree such as Indigenous Studies, history, anthropology, archeology OR parks and recreation management OR an equivalent.
  • One year of professional experience that includes responsibilities for developing and conducting natural and/or cultural resource interpretive programs and services.
Additional Requirements include the following:
  • Advanced human relations skills to create and maintain positive, professional work relationships with staff and positive experiences for park visitors.
  • Advanced oral communication skills to
    • Present information on environmental and cultural values and facts and theories in a clear and understandable manner to diverse individuals and groups.
    • Provide direction to staff.
    • Participate in media interviews.
  • Experience in public speaking, interpersonal communication, interpretation or education.
  • Organizational skills to develop schedules and implement interpretive services.
  • Skills in cultural, historical and natural resource research and literature search techniques.
  • Writing skills sufficient to develop materials, compile reports, and write interesting and educational newspaper articles.
  • Understanding of interpretive techniques including the ability to assess audiences and the effectiveness of interpretive media.
  • Ability to manage visitors and deal with emergency response situations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with customers/stakeholders and understand information.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Understanding of educational curriculum and materials to develop activities for K-12 students, assess the effectiveness of these activities and train others to use the park for education.
  • Experience developing relationships with communities that have a culture different than one’s own or coursework in diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion.
  • Knowledge of the natural resources and cultural history of Minnesota.
  • Knowledge of the local indigenous cultures and perspectives as they pertain to the natural resources and cultural history of the region.
  • Knowledge sufficient to identify plants and animals.
  • Experience providing outreach to underserved populations and communities.
  • Experience supervising or leading the work of others.
  • Understanding of basic interpretive exhibit and display standards and techniques.
  • Ability to communicate in a second language.

Physical Requirements

This job includes physically demanding work often in adverse weather and environmental conditions. Requires frequently lifting and/or carrying objects. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

*This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record*

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

  • Employment Reference Check
  • SEMA4 Records Check
  • Criminal History Check
  • Conflict of Interest Review
  • Education/license verification

Application Details

Why Work For Us

Our goal as an employer is to actively recruit, welcome and support a workforce, which is diverse and inclusive of people who are underrepresented in the development of State of Minnesota policies, programs and practices, so that we can support the success and growth of all people.
We are proud to operate within a Culture of Respect that provides a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees.  This means that our employees are respectful to one another and to our customers.  We believe that promoting a Culture of Respect allows our employees to do their best work in support of the agency’s mission.

GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and paid holidays.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.

For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you are a Connect 700 applicant, please submit your certificate to Rebecca Mortellaro at rebecca.mortellaro@state.mn.us or fax to 651-296-6494 by the job posting close date.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Wayne Boerner at wayne.boerner@state.mn.us or 651/433-0500.

Location William O'Brien State Park
Expires 2022-10-14
Link https://hcm.systems.state.mn.us/psc/admin/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U
MAEE Partner Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Interpretive Naturalist 2
  • Full Time
MN Department of Natural Resources - Parks and Trails Division
Location: William O'Brien State Park
Expires: 2022-10-14
Link: https://hcm.systems.state.mn.us/psc/admin/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U
MAEE Partner: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Job Description:
William O'Brien State Park near Marine on St. Croix, MN is currently seeking a full-time, year-round Interpretive Naturalist (IN2).
This Interpretive Naturalist position exists to develop, publicize and implement a welcoming and inclusive state parks and trails interpretive, environmental education and information services to: enhance the public's awareness, appreciation and understanding of cultural, natural and recreational resources; foster resource stewardship; and to inform the public about the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) programs and current environmental issues.
The area served by this position includes William O'Brien State park for approximately 285,000 annual visitors and outreach audiences.  Interpretive services participants include park visitors, local communities, underserved populations, organized groups, public and private schools, other units within the Minnesota DNR, park support groups, special interest groups, volunteers, media outlets, and other governmental organizations.
Work hours are generally 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, typically including weekends (with two consecutive days off during the week) and holidays. Includes occasionally working into the late evenings.
Responsibilities include:
  • Develop, present and evaluate programs that include multiple perspectives and use a variety of interpretive methods and techniques. Presentations are primarily provided in-person.
  • Recruit, train, lead and schedule interpretive program interns and volunteers.
  • Reach out to underserved audiences and provide inclusive interpretive experiences.
  • Promote programs and events online, through publications, and with media and community organizations.
  • Research natural and cultural history information from a variety of sources to develop interpretive activities, write content for exhibits, and answer visitor questions.
  • Perform administrative functions such as tracking program attendance, writing reports, managing budgets, and participating in staff meetings.
  • Serve as technical resource for local community, park visitors and staff by providing information about area and park resources.
  • Discuss and exchange information on park operations, interpretive services and resource management issues with park staff team.
  • Participate in the development of park unit interpretive plans and park management plans.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • A Bachelor's degree in environmental education and interpretation OR one of the physical sciences such as ecology, zoology, botany, geology OR a cultural resource-focused degree such as Indigenous Studies, history, anthropology, archeology OR parks and recreation management OR an equivalent.
  • One year of professional experience that includes responsibilities for developing and conducting natural and/or cultural resource interpretive programs and services.
Additional Requirements include the following:
  • Advanced human relations skills to create and maintain positive, professional work relationships with staff and positive experiences for park visitors.
  • Advanced oral communication skills to
    • Present information on environmental and cultural values and facts and theories in a clear and understandable manner to diverse individuals and groups.
    • Provide direction to staff.
    • Participate in media interviews.
  • Experience in public speaking, interpersonal communication, interpretation or education.
  • Organizational skills to develop schedules and implement interpretive services.
  • Skills in cultural, historical and natural resource research and literature search techniques.
  • Writing skills sufficient to develop materials, compile reports, and write interesting and educational newspaper articles.
  • Understanding of interpretive techniques including the ability to assess audiences and the effectiveness of interpretive media.
  • Ability to manage visitors and deal with emergency response situations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with customers/stakeholders and understand information.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Understanding of educational curriculum and materials to develop activities for K-12 students, assess the effectiveness of these activities and train others to use the park for education.
  • Experience developing relationships with communities that have a culture different than one’s own or coursework in diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion.
  • Knowledge of the natural resources and cultural history of Minnesota.
  • Knowledge of the local indigenous cultures and perspectives as they pertain to the natural resources and cultural history of the region.
  • Knowledge sufficient to identify plants and animals.
  • Experience providing outreach to underserved populations and communities.
  • Experience supervising or leading the work of others.
  • Understanding of basic interpretive exhibit and display standards and techniques.
  • Ability to communicate in a second language.

Physical Requirements

This job includes physically demanding work often in adverse weather and environmental conditions. Requires frequently lifting and/or carrying objects. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

*This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record*

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

  • Employment Reference Check
  • SEMA4 Records Check
  • Criminal History Check
  • Conflict of Interest Review
  • Education/license verification

Application Details

Why Work For Us

Our goal as an employer is to actively recruit, welcome and support a workforce, which is diverse and inclusive of people who are underrepresented in the development of State of Minnesota policies, programs and practices, so that we can support the success and growth of all people.
We are proud to operate within a Culture of Respect that provides a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees.  This means that our employees are respectful to one another and to our customers.  We believe that promoting a Culture of Respect allows our employees to do their best work in support of the agency’s mission.

GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and paid holidays.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.

For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you are a Connect 700 applicant, please submit your certificate to Rebecca Mortellaro at rebecca.mortellaro@state.mn.us or fax to 651-296-6494 by the job posting close date.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Wayne Boerner at wayne.boerner@state.mn.us or 651/433-0500.

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